Thrustmaster T598 review: the 5Nm PS5 direct-drive bundle
The Thrustmaster T598 makes 5Nm of constant torque from a Direct Axial Drive motor, and it’s one of the few real direct-drive bundles licensed for PS5 and PS4. The axial-flux design puts the magnets on a flat disc and bolts the rim straight to it, so the belt slack and gear lash of a T300 are simply gone. On transients it overshoots up to +100%, briefly spiking to ~10Nm on a kerb strike or a sudden loss of grip before settling back, so 5Nm constant hits harder than the number reads.
| Drive type | Direct drive (Direct Axial Drive, axial-flux motor) |
|---|---|
| Peak torque | 5Nm constant, up to +100% overshoot (~10Nm) on transients |
| Price | ~$499.99 bundle MSRP (base + 30cm GT wheel + Raceline Pedals LTE); has dropped to ~$375 |
| Platforms | PS5, PS4, PC. No Xbox (a separate Xbox/PC T598 exists) |
| Quick release | Thrustmaster QR; rim swaps with Formula, GT, and rally Wheel Add-Ons |
| Software | Race Dash config screen; HARMONY high-frequency torque; ~5ms latency |
| Best for | The cheapest genuine direct-drive bundle for PS5 |
Who it’s for
Section titled “Who it’s for”Real direct drive on a PlayStation, bought as one complete box.
Buy it if:
- You race on PS5 or PS4 and want genuine direct drive the console will recognize, which is rare at this price.
- You want a complete setup in one purchase: base, a 30cm GT-style rim, and pedals.
- You want an upgrade path. The rim runs Thrustmaster’s quick release and swaps onto Formula, GT, and rally Wheel Add-Ons later.
Not the one if you’re on Xbox (this bundle has no Xbox support; the Moza R5 covers PC and Xbox) or you want a deeper PlayStation ecosystem (look at the Fanatec GT DD Pro).
What it’s like to drive
Section titled “What it’s like to drive”The jump off belt. 5Nm doesn’t sound like much next to an 8Nm or 12Nm base, but the jump off a belt wheel is the one that matters, and on the T598 it’s large. HARMONY reproduces high-frequency torque, so kerb edges and the front tire scrubbing survive to your hands instead of getting smoothed away, and the ~5ms latency keeps the wheel honest under quick corrections.
Where it tops out. For most cars 5Nm is usable, so set the base near its ceiling and trim in-game gain to avoid clipping, where the strongest cues flatten into one wall of force. The per-base FFB guide covers Thrustmaster’s Race Dash settings.
Watch-outs
Section titled “Watch-outs”- The Raceline Pedals LTE are entry-level. They use a potentiometer brake, not a load cell, so you brake by position instead of pressure. A load-cell pedal set is the first upgrade and moves lap times more than any extra torque would.
- The GT-style rim is merely average. It does the job, but it’s the part most reviewers single out as forgettable. The quick release means you can replace it with a Thrustmaster add-on without touching the base.
- No Xbox. This bundle is PS5, PS4, and PC only. Xbox players need the separate T598 SKU.
- 5Nm is the ceiling. There’s no boost kit. If you already know you want heavier GT3 weight, look at a base that starts higher rather than planning to grow into this one.
Alternatives to consider
Section titled “Alternatives to consider”- Fanatec GT DD Pro: the other console-legal PS5 direct drive, with a deeper rim-and-accessory ecosystem and a Boost Kit path to 8Nm.
- Logitech RS50: PlayStation and tri-platform direct drive with TrueForce, if Logitech’s ecosystem and game integration matter to you.
- Moza R5: a full bundle at ~$399 for PC (and Xbox with the right rim), if you’re not tied to PlayStation.
The first dollar after the base goes to a load-cell brake, since the bundled pedals are the T598’s weakest part. See the buying guide by budget for where it sits among console-capable bases, and the brand comparison for how Thrustmaster’s ecosystem stacks up.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thrustmaster T598 work on PS5?
Yes. The T598 bundle is licensed for PS5, PS4, and PC, which is the main reason to buy it: a genuine direct-drive base that a PlayStation will actually recognize is rare at this price. It does not support Xbox. Thrustmaster sells a separate Xbox/PC T598 product for that. The console chip is tied to the SKU, so buy the version for your platform.
What comes in the Thrustmaster T598 bundle?
The ~$499.99 bundle is the T598 base, a detachable 30cm GT-style wheel, and the Raceline Pedals LTE in one box. It's a complete out-of-box setup. The first thing to budget for is a load-cell pedal set, because the Raceline Pedals LTE are the weak link.
Is 5Nm enough on the T598?
For most drivers, yes. 5Nm of constant torque is real direct drive, several times stronger than a T300 belt wheel, and the +100% transient overshoot means it briefly spikes to ~10Nm on a kerb strike or a snap of grip. You'll feel weight transfer and the front letting go. If you want a deeper PS5 ecosystem later, the Fanatec GT DD Pro is the upgrade.
T598 or Fanatec GT DD Pro for PS5?
Both are console-legal direct drive. The T598 wins on price and ships as a full bundle with pedals. The Fanatec GT DD Pro wins on ecosystem depth and a Boost Kit path to 8Nm. If the cheapest working DD bundle is the goal, the T598; if you plan to keep buying rims and accessories, Fanatec.